POLICE, CRIME & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR UPDATE 16th - 30th September CRIME OVERVIEW Crime levels remain similar to the last period with theft being the highest recorded crime type. One retail outlet has reported 10 separate theft incidents and we are working closely with them to reduce this moving forward. We encourage retail staff to challenge any known offenders and refuse entry if appropriate. Theft of pedal cycle offences remain high so please ensure you lock your bikes with secure locks. On the 24th September an off-duty PCSO detained a male in the process of stealing a pedal cycle in Broadmead. He was subsequently arrested and when his property was searched, a number of other
bikes and electric scooters were located. We are working hard to reunite these with their owners. Please encourage staff to take
CITY CENTRE ENGAGEMENT The issues experienced by the businesses and residents of Narrow Quay came to a head mid summer. We were receiving complaints of street drinking, drug abuse, intimidating behaviour and urination in pubic places. Many of these problems have been associated with persons living in the YHA, which is being used to house the local homeless community. In response, the BID team and the police arranged a community meeting to best understand the nature of the
problem. From this we agreed an action plan involving Bristol City Council, the police, St Mungo’s and those affected, including implementation of additional 24hr security, regular street cleansing, communication links and allocated police patrols. Since introducing these measures the incidents have reduced to a far more manageable level and feedback from nearby residents and businesses continues to be positive.
pictures of their bikes and serial numbers to register them with the police as this makes it easier to identify if required.
COVID-19 ENFORCEMENT The new COVID-19 Government guidelines will affect all businesses in the city centre. As part of the introduced restrictions, the police have a duty to ensure compliance. Whilst they will continue with the established approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging compliance before exercising enforcement options, the rising R rate requires a firmer position to
be adopted in some cases, to protect public health. Consequently, greater use will be made of enforcement to target those who ignore the advice given or persistent breach the legislation. If you feel your business is being affected by a breach please update the dedicated Bristol City Centre BID Officer, Gareth Ayers, who will respond to support you in managing this.
LICENSING UPDATES
POLICE NOW
New legal requirements in relation to licensing updates came into effect from 24th September and consist of the following:
PC Fisher, PC John and PC Fielding have recently joined the Bridewell Police Team. They have joined through a scheme called Police Now, a leadership programme that focuses on making a difference in challenging communities. As part of the programme, they are expected to implement innovative strategies that can help improve the lives of those in deprived communities by using problem solving skills to tackle some of the challenges they face. They aim to work with the local residents to end the link between deprivation, crime and life chances. They are really excited to get to know our local communities and explore the ways in which they can make positive changes by focusing on long-term solutions that aim to not only reduce crime, but improve the opportunities and life chances of residents.
Customers in hospitality venues must wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink. Staff in hospitality and retail will now also be required to wear face coverings. Exemptions still apply. Businesses selling food or drink including cafĂŠs, bars, pubs and restaurants, social clubs, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement arcades and bingo halls must be closed between 10pm and 5am. This includes takeaways but delivery services can continue after 10pm. In licensed premises, food and drink must be ordered from, and served at, a table.
Businesses will need to display the official NHS QR code posters to allow customers to scan it using the NHS coronavirus app. It is still advised to use your existing method of Test and Trace collection for customers that do not have a smart phone. Relevant FAQ’s can be found here courtesy of UKHospitality.